Seven is Heaven for All Mankind

I remember the day I first slipped a pair of these jeans on to my body. Oh, was I convinced that designer jeans were the "shit!" I tried on a few coveted brands, Joe's Jeans, True Religion, but the Seven for All Mankind (not just 7, just to be clear) were perfect! This first pair were the only ones I payed full price for, the others were on the clearance rack at Nordstrom Rack, but were still higher priced for jeans. I had a few pair from Gap, Express, and Polo, which were nice and all. None of them compared to the Seven's. It's something about the way the pocket fits on the tush, and how the denim feels. I never had a pair of jeans feel and look so damn good!

I guess I felt better showing off the burgundy tag, and signature swoosh on the pockets. It's like getting a really nice bag, for some reason I felt like a better person. Sad but true, and true for a lot of you out there, so don't "poo poo" me! If I had tons of money, I'd spend it on purses and jeans, I just now realized that.

Yesterday, I went for a hair cut, and my stylist had on some awesome jeans. I couldn't stop looking at them. I needed to have some. After my appointment, I popped on over to Nordstrom Rack, and started my mad search. I grabbed the True Religions, the Paige, Luckies, Rock and Republic's, but couldn't find MY FAVORITE. This was terrible. After piling 7 pairs of jeans onto my arm, and taking my last look around...AHHH, there they were. Beams of light came from the ceiling and created a halo around the WHOLE rack of them. I purred like a kitten no, a tiger and attacked the rack.

As I entered the dressing room, I set the Seven's apart from the rest. I tried on all the other ones just to see how they fit. I actually like the Paige Jeans a lot, and almost bought some, but as soon as the Seven's went on, It was like coming home after a long trip. These are home for my ass! I ended up purchasing a pair of the Dojo style. They have a wider leg, than a boot cut, but not really flared. They're SWEET!!!!!

I now have 4 pair in my closet, but the one pair I was the proudest of, I need to sell. I don't think I'll ever fit into them ever again. The day I put on, and actually fit into a size 24 jean was a fabulous one. I only wore them 3 times, and then I got pregnant. Figures. I thought about holding onto them, for inspiration, but maybe that's stupid. I'm sure someone else would enjoy them. And "NO" they are not out of style! If any of you know someone who wears a size 24 and wants to bye a pair of designer jeans, let me know, otherwise, I'll take them to a resale shop.



Later today, it's off to the tailor to have them hemed. I need to were them as soon as possible!!

My New " Official" Friend

About two months ago, I was at the park with V and A, swinging them on the swings. I saw a young woman with a baby walking over. Instantly V started pointing and screaming "Bahhh Bahhh Bahhh Bi!" for baby. "Yes, It's a baby" I replied, and the woman walked right over.




I was surprised she wasn't Eastern European, like most woman at the park are. She said hello, and asked the normal questions, "how old are your kids? are they twins?" etc... so, back and fourth we went. I was happy to find out that she lives only a block and a half from us, and her son is about a year old. She just quit her job to stay home with her son, and was in need of some advise, or just needed to vent. In a matter of 1/2 hour we had hit it off. I told her that I come to the park every day, and I'd see her again soon.



Over that past few months, we'd see one another at the park, sit with the kids and swap stories. I referred to her as my "new friend". She had grown up around us, and seemed pretty down to earth. We actually have a lot in common, and I was exited to see her at the park, 'cause I knew I'd have some adult conversation. About a week had passed, and I hadn't been to the park. I felt bad, so I decided to write her a note, and wrote my number down for her if she ever wanted to get together during the fall or winter. As I wrote it, I thought
" Is this too fast? Am I being too forward? Will I scare her off?" I guess it's the feeling of having a new boyfriend or girlfriend. Are there rules here? I had made friends after high school and college, but they are people I worked with and saw on a daily basis. Eventually, I became social enough with these people to hang out with them, and, to this day, am very close to them. I never thought meeting someone off the street would be this ...awkward.



So, a few days ago I we ran into one another at the park. She came with an invitation to her sons 1st Birthday party, and we talked about the girl I use for a baby sitter. I had offered to share my baby sitter with her, because I really didn't need her on a weekly basis. I knew my friend had started to look for someone, an since the girl that watched V and A is so great, I thought I'd share the love.



After talking with the babysitter, and making sure she'd be o.k. with it, I called my friend to give her the phone #. The phone rang, and I was nervous. Wait, I'm Thirty Three (almost)and I can't call a person who lives down the street? I'm good at this! I'm pretty cool, I can make a new friend, who doesn't like... ME?
Feww, voice mail. I leave a short message with the babysitters phone number. About an hour later, my "friend" calls me back to let me know that she got my message, and she called the sitter and made arrangements. She then asked what I was doing later (!!!?)



Is this a date?



"Ummm, nothing, what do you want to do? Do you want to go out, or stay around here? Wanna come over?"



"sure" she replies, "I'll call you when the baby wakes up".



At about 3:30, she calls me to let me know she's on her way. I got very exited! A play date, how fun. So we sat around for about two hours, and talked. She's pretty funny. We shared dysfunctional family stories, pregnancy stories, the whole bit. It was great!



So, today my friend calls me to thank me for referring her to the babysitter. It just so happens that the sharing situation is going to work out really well. We sat on the phone for a while and talked. She then she tells me how thankful she is to have met me, and how funny it is to make a new friend. She had mad the "dating" reference, and how long she thought she should she wait to call me, two or four days. It was really funny. I think it's great that she felt the same way.



It's official, we're friends.

Leashing your child

Last Sunday, Rick and I took the kids to the Zoo for the first time. We had such a great time. It was a little hot, but we managed. I made sure V and A were napped and fed, to ensure their happiness, and ours.

The kids were so exited to see the animals, and we were exited for them. A was screaming with joy when she saw the dolphins, and V started signing for elephant once we strolled upon them. At the Children's Zoo, they were able to get up close to the farm animals, V even touched a goat. There is this gated in area where the kids can follow goats around and brush them. V was happy holding my husbands hand, and just admiring everything from afar, but our darling daughter was like a caged animal herself. She darted around just happy to be free from the stroller. A is so fast now, and HATES it when we hold her hand. She goes into a tantrum and throws herself on the ground and jumps on her butt. At that point we have to scoop her up and carry on with the day.




After the monkey house, we let her run down the path leading back to the stroller area. She again took off, and started greeting other people. At one point our littler angel, stumbled upon a man with a baby. She pointed and said "bahby, bahby!!" and approached the man (who seemed as though he enjoyed a few too many of the Zoo beers). This man reached out to A saying in a thick accent, " Ahh, beautiful child!!, Come Come here", and tried to pick her up. My husband immediately, snatched A up and walked toward me and V, and told our social butterfly to say goodbye. She kicked and screamed for a few seconds, wanting to be put down.



A just started walking 6 weeks ago, and is already little miss independent. I fear she'll be one of those kids who will disappear in a second, when you're attention is taken off of her. I have heard too many stories of kids vanishing, luckily found, but I don't want to experience the horror of losing a child. If I am ever with them by myself, I know she'll take off on me. V, on the other hand, will be hanging on to me with out a problem. I have seen people who have these backpack harnesses for their kids. Some adults think it is stupid to put your kid on a leash, but I think sometimes, you just have no other choice.



My dear sister-in-law picked one up for me at Wal-Mart, she was going there anyway, and saved me the trip. I really think that is is a necessity, if you are in crowds, and can't put them in the stroller for some reason. Safety first right?

My Dermatological Experience

I finally made my visit to the dermatologist. I had two reasons for being there:



#1: get checked for and suspicious lesions on my body



#2: yes, i had two warts (eewww!)



I guess working in a medical/dental office, i see things that maybe the average person wouldn't. I'm not saying I had a bad experience, but my expectations were not met entirely.



I stood at the window, and watched a sea of people in scrubs standing around, laughing, and chit-chatting. Some people were sitting at a computer and working, but there seemed to be quite a few looking as though they were doing nothing, but what do I know. I try to make eye contact with anyone, to announce that I have arrived, and that I am late. Yes, Yes, I was late, and that may be the reason why they didn't roll out the red carpet for me. I tried to call, but my cell phone wouldn't pick up a signal.



You see, if this were to happen in the office I used to work in, we would have been lectured. In the past, If I was behind the desk, talking to another girl, and the front desk people were busy, I would have acknowledged the patient, and offer to help with checking her in. If any of us were unable to be of service to a new patient, we were forbidden to hang out at the front, because the doctors thought it looked like we were lazy. Now, being on the other side, I see what they mean.



I finally get a girl to look at me and say "hi there", she says hello back, and continues her story about the storm that blew through late last week. I am now starting to get impatient, as I'm about to crawl over the desk, and scream, finally, a woman walks over. I tell her my name, and that I know I'm about 10 minutes late. I offered to re-schedule my appointment, but she says "no, your fine"



I fill out my paper work as fast as I can, and supply the woman with my ID and insurance info. A few minutes later, a nice nurse takes me back and has me sit down. She goes over my medical history, and quickly asks me some questions. She tosses a gown at me, and blurts something out as she exits the room. I never got her name.



The P.A. walks in, and asks me why I am there. I explain that my brother-in-law was diagnosed with stage 1 melinoma, and that I would like to be examined for anything funny looking, and of course...the warts!. I do show her one spot on my leg that has changed over the years. The P.A. has me sit back, and quickly looks at by body. She explained that I have TONS of freckles and other pigmentations (no shit!), and some swelling of may hair follicles, but nothing concerning (except for the one on my leg). I felt that glancing at someone in the sitting position was not a very comprehensive exam...but again, what do I know? All I know is that some people who have had a complete scan, get naked, and every spot on there body is examined, and charted.



Anyhow, she offered to biopsy the one on my leg, and freeze off my warts right there. I opted for just the freezing of the warts, and I'll return for the biopsy.



I sign a consent form for that procedure. The P.A. then takes a torch looking device filled with liquid nitrogen, and sprays the first one. HOLY CRAP!!! It felt like she was holding a lit cigarette on my finger. She then shoots the other one, thank god, the second was less painful then the first. She gave me some simple instructions for after care, and tells me to make an appointment in two weeks for the biopsy.



Today, I have these nasty blisters surrounding my warts, but I guess it's like any burn.



Don't get me wrong, everyone was really nice, once I got in, but it all felt a bit rushed. I wouldn't say I am a difficult patient, but if I'm paying for a service, I'd like to at least believe I'm being taken good care of. Maybe some offices take the "mole scan" to the extreme, and un-necessarily make the process last a long time. I thought it would take more then 2 minutes though. I will go back in two weeks, and comment if I'm rushed again (I'll make sure I'm on time). I usually bring baked goods to all my doctors, but if I am not satisfied after my next visit, they won't be worthy of any cookies.

The East Side v.s.The West Side

every summer, the 900th block of my street( i live in the 800th) has a BASH of a block party. my husband and I have always wondered why we were never invited. silly us, we thought the whole street, which consists of three blocks, had one big block party which converged in the center (the 900th block). we thought, "well, we might be the weirdo's, the one's without kids. the crazy italian guy and the anti-social wife. the neighbors with the obnoxious dog who barks at anything that passes by".


then, about two months ago, i was frantically digging in my yard, when i was disturbed by a "hi there!" it was a neighbor from down my block inviting me to the block party and getting signatures for the permit. she introduced herself, and her daughter. i found it creepy that she seemed to know quite a few details about us, but i had never met her before. i didn't really care tho', i was just so exited that we were included! i asked Mrs. So and So, if there was anything i could do to help. she said " no, just be present". and walked away with a smile.


the next day i was chatting with the woman who lives across the street from me anne, but on the coveted 900th block. i mentioned that Mrs. So and So, had stopped buy for the block party signatures. she gave me a funny look and said,
" but you're not part of our block party. you're block must be having one on their own this year. as a matter of fact we (meaning the other ladies on her block) were going to invite you to our block party."


i thought this was silly, "aren't we all on the same street?" i asked.


"yes" she replied, " but in the past, the other blocks never wanted to participate, or help coordinate, so we just don't ask your block. Mrs. So and So, who is putting together yours this year, will not cooperate with the girl who plans our block party. and they happen to fall on the same weekend".



fast forward to this past monday:


we received a piece of paper in our mailbox reading:


coming to the 800th block of %#*@#% avenue, the summer block party!


come meet your neighbors!

bring your favorite dish for a pot luck dinner at 4:30

if your family has a favorite game to play, bring it along.



this sounded fun enough... right?


well, my husband took one look at it and said "what is this shit?, what are we going to do, stand around? who is bringing tables? what dish do we bring?"



he marched out to the neighbor anne to show her the weak invitation.

he came back about 10 minutes later saying,



"we aren't going to our own block party! they (900) start planning theirs in february. they all contribute money, and one family goes shopping for brats and burgers, half the block brings desert, and the other half brings side dishes. they have a whole itinerary starting at 12pm, of games for every age. the have a raffle for everything to a one month membership to the local gym to cubs tickets! and they hire a band!"


i said, "look, we'll go to our own party, bring a dish, and then meander over to the east side because we were officially invited."


so, yesterday morning, i set off to the grocery store for items to make a pasta salad. on the way home, i pass through the 900th block and see the men rolling out kegs, setting up water misters, grills, tents, tables. it was amazing! when i made it to my end of the block, and saw...nothing but the home schooled kids running barefoot through the streets.


"keep an open mind deen, you don't know any of these people, they could be really nice"



after the kids woke up from their afternoon nap, we set off to meet the neighbors. as we rolled the kids in wagon down our walkway, we see a fire truck giving families rides on the latter lift thing. i thought this was pretty cool. the babies were exited to see the fire truck, and screamed with excitement.


we approach the 12 people standing in the street, and introduce ourselves. they had a little table in the street with lemon aid and cookies. i started to get flash backs of the men with the kegs, and the tubs of pop, and bottled water i saw just a few hours ago.


the not- so- fine ladies of the 800th block began to bash the 900th block, calling them "block party nazi's", and saying they were too good to join forces with the rest of the avenue. great, this is all i need, freekin' complainers!! soon after we arrived rick took our daughter to the real party down the street, leaving me there with the degenerates whipping water balloons at each other.


i happened to strike up a conversation with a woman i see at the park from to time to time. the lady was very nice, but she literally talked my ear off, because when i finally broke away to find my husband, they were ringing.


so, i roll our son down the street in the little red wagon, yelling promises of my mediterranean pasta to the others, to find my husband and daughter. as i roll up, i see the other kids having their faces painted, grills blazing, and a children's bicycle parade. there had to be about 60 people out there. it was suburban nirvana.

i finally found my hubby sitting by the keg, whooping it up with the other men.


"there's my wife!" he shouts


he proceeds to introduce me to about twelve people, and tells me how i need to join forces with the women who create this day of family fun. he then then shoves a nice, ice cold cup of keg beer in my hand. i smile.


after the men's doughnut eating contest, jamie, the master mind of the summer party approches me and says,

"dina, thank you for coming, your husband tells me we can count on you for some help next year! did you get a beer yet?"

i finally felt like part of the community after almost 7 years. later that evening, after we brought the kids home and put them to bed, i walked back down to join the other wives beside the keg. we listened to to band, and watched the older kids run around with sparklers squeeling with delight. it was almost like watching a movie. it was a good time!

needless to say, the pasta salad ment for the not-so -fine party is still chilling in my fridge. the girl from the west side, found her place with the "party nazi's" on the east side. i look forward to many more summer time block parties with these people. who knows, we may even invite you.

Havoc On The Dock

Yet another year of family fun!! The Ukrainian Havoc Squad returns to the dock at Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia.

For those of you who do not know, my mothers side of the family has a reunion weekend. This ever growing brood, manages to pack into my cousin's gorgeous, and spacious home. It's practically a mini resort, with a theater, plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms. There is a workout room, and a bar in the basement. The dock is where the day fun is. A pontoon, and speed boat, two wave runners, and plenty of floatation devices are at our disposal.

This year was so different, but just as fun. Our family had expanded by five. Madison, Vaughn, Avery, Otto and Arden were all new to the scene, and made the daytime fun a bit tricky, but we all were in the same boat. I think most of us were just genuinely happy to be spending time together. The highlight for me and Rick, was spending a whole day out, while the Grandmothers and Great Aunts watched the babies. We went to an old gold mining town, shopped at the outlet mall, and finished the day off swimming, drinking, and racing on the wave runners. Paula, Casey, Rick and I floated around in the lake, reminiscing, and having some good old belly laughs. Rick and I also had the chance for some much needed reconnecting.


As always, I left with tears in my eyes, and a lump in my throat. This family I am so lucky to be a part of, is so much fun and FULL of POSITIVE VIBES!!! When things get messy, these people always seem to find clarity. I don't think any of them complained about a single thing. Every time i think of the crazy Ukrainians, I get a warm fuzzy feeling inside, and wish we could see each other more often.

I can't wait until next year. It may not be any easier traveling with two 2 year olds, but it is worth it!!!

Happy Birthday Richie!!!!!

Happy Birthday to my ONE and ONLY!!!

A MAN who gives so much, but never gives himself enough credit. A GUY who can talk to anyone, and make them laugh. A DAD who tries to give the world to his wife and kids.

I love you, even if you get grouchy.


Happy Happy Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!